- What motivates you to eat meat free?
Dave: It all started with curiosity about health and a love of feeling good. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful a plant-based diet can be – for energy, mood, and the planet. Plus, there’s something so vibrant and creative about cooking with plants. Who doesn’t love food that makes them feel alive?
Steve: For me, it’s always been about living vibrantly – feeling energetic, staying healthy, and knowing that I’m making a positive impact on the planet. Plus, the creativity of plant-based cooking is endless – every meal feels like an adventure in colour and flavour.
- What items are always in your fridge?
Dave: Oh, you’ll always find hummus – I’m obsessed, we produce thousands of tubs of our delicious hummus every week and I’m still as obsessed as ever!! There’s usually lots of veg from our organic farm, some of our delicious pestos, and some fermented magic like kimchi or sauerkraut. And we never run out of oat milk – with all the coffee we drink, that’d be a disaster!
Steve: My fridge is a treasure trove of deliciousness! You’ll always find our Happy Pear hummus and pestos. There’s also fresh veg from our organic farm, homemade pestos, fermented goodies like kimchi, and plenty of oat milk for porridge. Oh, and a stash of salted caramel squares.
- It’s Meat Free Monday and you’ve got a friend coming round – what are you going to cook for them?
Dave: Easy! I’d whip up a creamy mushroom linguine served with steamed greens from our farm. For dessert, maybe a cheeky peanut butter salted caramel square – they’re irresistible.
Steve: I’d go for an elegant stir fry using the freshest veg from our farm, like bok choy, carrots, and tenderstem broccoli, tossed in a ginger-tamari sauce with some crispy tofu. For dessert, it’s got to be a sweet treat, like our indulgent chocolate avocado mousse.
- What was the last thing you ate?
Dave: This morning, I had a big bowl of chia seed pudding loaded with berries, seeds, and a dollop of almond butter. Simple, hearty, and keeps me full for ages.
Steve: I just polished off a massive bowl of porridge with banana, berries, spinach, and a sprinkle of granola. It’s my go-to breakfast when I’m on the move.
- If you had to choose only one country’s cuisine to eat forever, which would you choose?
Dave: That’s a tough one! Probably Indian – I’m addicted to the spices, dal, and endless veggie curries. Plus, you can’t go wrong with naan bread and chutneys.
Steve: Definitely Mediterranean – all that fresh veg, olive oil, hummus, and grilled delights. It’s simple, delicious, and nourishing. You can never have too much good bread!
- Sweet or savoury?
Dave: Can I say both? If I have to choose, it’s savoury – there’s something comforting about a big, flavourful meal that ticks all the boxes. A good red lentil dahl is my ultimate comfort food!
Steve: I lean towards savoury – a creamy chickpea curry or a hearty stew is my idea of food heaven. Though I wouldn’t say no to a good vegan brownie now and then!
- Pizza or pasta?
Dave: Pizza! Especially when it’s a sourdough base topped with roasted veggies, basil pesto, and some good olives. Although pasta comes a close second.
Steve: Pizza, hands down! A sourdough base topped with roasted veg, olives, and a generous dollop of our Happy Pear basil pesto. It’s my ultimate comfort food.
- Tofu or beans?
Dave: Beans. They’re the ultimate underrated heroes of the plant-based world – packed with protein, fibre, and they’re so versatile. A good smoky black bean chilli is hard to beat.
Steve: Beans all the way. They’re versatile, packed with nutrition, and perfect for creating hearty, flavourful dishes. Our smoky bean stew is a winter favourite.
- Mild or spicy?
Dave: Spicy, every time! I love food with a bit of a kick. There’s nothing like a hit of chilli to wake up your taste buds.
Steve: Spicy – bring on the chilli! There’s something so satisfying about food with a bit of heat to it.
- What advice would you give to people wanting to give meat free a try?
Dave: Start small and have fun with it! Focus on adding more plants rather than taking things away. Experiment with dishes you already love – like swapping beef for lentils in a bolognese. And don’t stress about being perfect – every little step makes a difference.
Steve: Start with dishes you already love – it’s easier than you think! Swap meat for beans, lentils, or tofu in your favourite meals. And don’t overcomplicate it – plant-based eating can be quick, easy, and incredibly tasty.
Dave and Steve’s latest cookbook Happy Pear 20 is available here and their exciting new food range is launching across the UK. Follow them at The Happy Pear for recipes and inspiration.